John 15

When we think of how we want our lives to go, who among us doesn't want to make a lasting impact? In John 15, Jesus gives us 3 things - a means to life, a means to significance and a warning about this life.

Jesus starts by describing how we are to live in complete dependence on Him, like a branch on a vine gets its very life by proximity and connection to the vine. Jesus lived that way as a model for us. He was completely connected to the Father, to the extent that He said, "my food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work." In John 5:19, Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." In John 15:5, Jesus applies that same relationship He has to the Father, to how we are to live in dependence on Himself: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." We are only alive if we are connected to Jesus and drawing our life from Him - like a vine does from its branches and root system. If we are truly connected to Jesus and His word and "obey [His] commands, the Father, like a vine-keeper, prunes us ("cleans us") and does the sometimes painful things in our lives that make us more alive, more sustained, more fruitful - and more joyful! Jesus said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete (!). My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." Apart from Jesus, we are lifeless and powerless and joyless. Connected to Him, abiding in Him, living through His life, we can live lives of significance, joy, power, fruit and real life. Any sacrifices we make become valuable and we gain a relationship with Jesus unlike any earthly friendship. Just like the tree in Psalm 1, we need to be always nearby our life-source, Jesus and His Word of truth.

Secondly, Jesus gives us a picture of what a significant life looks like - and where it comes from - in verse 16: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. " In the NASB, it says we will bear "fruit that remains". As I think about what I want my life to look like, I so desire that the fruit that comes from my life isn't fruit that will fall and rot on the ground, but be fruit that remains. Fruit that bears more fruit. Timothy's that raise up more Timothy's. Small groups that spawn more small groups. Families that raise children who can raise future families. Churches that plant more churches which can plant more churches. And it is such a comfort to know, that it doesn't depend on me - on my choosing, my working, my initiative. Jesus chooses us. He's the craftsman and He chooses which tool to pick up from the workbench to use. And Jesus says that He chooses us. If you are a Christ-follower, just let that sink into your brain. Jesus chooses you. Of all the kids on the playground, He would choose you. I remember some of those embarrassing times when I was waiting to be picked for a team. Won't anyone choose me? Jesus did. And He chooses more. Would you respond to Him?

Thirdly, Jesus promises opposition. A servant is not above his Master. If they persecuted Jesus, our leader, they will persecute us. Unless we are not in the battle, we will experience personal and tangible opposition. We are called to testify to others about Jesus, in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that men and women may choose whom they will serve and follow. If they choose to hate Jesus, we will bear some of that hate; if they choose to obey Him, we can share in their joy. But we must not be silent. That is the lukewarm choice we are warned about in Revelation 3, with its graphic consequences. Instead, heed the invitation of Revelation 3:20 and open the door to fellowship with the Savior, to life through connected-ness to the Savior. Let's live that life.

Let's pray for our brothers and sisters in India who are living these verses everyday and ask God that He would move us to do the same. How much joy to be at that banquet, the marriage feast of the Lamb and to see what God accomplishes through His people who are wise enough to be faithful to stay connected to their real life source. The result is fruit that remains. That is what will give Him glory, and complete our joy, on That Day.

 TOM ALBERS | Elder Chairman

Tom committed his life to Christ as a junior in high school in 1975. After moving to Austin in 1995, Tom and Cindy attended Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park before becoming part of the HCBC Pflugerville and Hutto Bible church plants. Tom serves as a Small Group Leader and in Youth ministry and in other ministry oversight roles. Tom and Cindy were married in 1986 and are parents to Will, Emily, Clare, Hannah and Nathan and grandparents to Owen.